Seaweed Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Product Type (Films, Bags & Pouches, Trays, Boxes, and Others), By End-use Industry (Food, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global seaweed packaging market size was valued at USD 723.88 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 773.81 billion in 2026 to USD 1319.43 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.

The global seaweed packaging market represents an emerging segment within the broader sustainable packaging industry and is expanding with the increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions. Seaweed packaging refers to the development and use of packaging materials derived from seaweed or marine algae. These materials are typically used as an alternative to conventional plastic and other non-biodegradable packaging materials.

Seaweed is a renewable resource that grows abundantly in marine environments, making it a highly sustainable option for packaging production. The packaging produced from seaweed is biodegradable, often compostable, and, in some cases, even edible, depending on the application.

• According to data published by OEC, in 2022, the top exporters of seaweeds and other algae were the U.S. (USD 266,000), China (USD 56,600), Vietnam (USD 47,300), Philippines (USD 43,600), and Grenada (USD 31,400).

Seaweed Packaging Market Driver

Environmental Sustainability and Growing Awareness of Plastic Pollution to Become One of the Significant Market Drivers

One of the most significant drivers of the seaweed packaging market is the globally increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution. Traditional plastic packaging is a major contributor to environmental degradation, particularly in oceans, where it leads to widespread pollution and harm to marine life. Seaweed packaging offers a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative that can help mitigate these issues.

Seaweed Packaging Market Restraint

High Production Costs May Hinder the Market Growth

The process of converting seaweed into packaging materials is relatively new and still in the early stages of commercial development. The extraction, refinement, and processing of seaweed to create viable packaging materials require sophisticated technology and infrastructure, which contributes to higher production costs compared to traditional plastic packaging. Since the seaweed packaging industry is still emerging, production volumes are relatively low. This limits the ability to achieve economies of scale, keeping prices higher than those of established plastic packaging materials. As a result, seaweed packaging may not be cost-competitive in highly price-sensitive markets.

Seaweed Packaging Market Opportunity

Expansion of the Food and Beverage Sector to Create New Growth Opportunities

The food and beverage industry is one of the largest contributors to plastic waste, especially through single-use packaging items such as wraps, pouches, and sachets. Seaweed packaging offers a viable alternative to traditional plastic, particularly for products such as snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and condiments. A unique opportunity within the food industry is the development of edible seaweed packaging. This innovation can revolutionize the way products are consumed, especially in fast food and takeaway services.

• According to statistics published by FAO Global Fishery and Aquaculture Production, in 1969, 2.2 million tonnes of world seaweed production was evenly contributed by wild collection and cultivation. After half a century, while wild production remained at 1.1 million tonnes, cultivation production increased to 35.8 million tonnes, which accounted for 97% of the world's seaweed production in 2019. World seaweed cultivation production tonnage increased 1,000-fold from 34.7 thousand tonnes to 34.7 million tonnes between 1950 and 2019.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Market
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for the Market
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Product Type

Based on product type, the market is subdivided into films, bags & pouches, trays, boxes, and others.

The bags & pouches segment accounts for the largest share of the seaweed packaging market. Bags and pouches are incredibly versatile and can be used across various industries, including food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others. They can hold a wide range of products, from dry goods such as snacks and grains to liquids and creams. This versatility makes them a popular choice for companies looking to adopt seaweed-based packaging for different product lines.

Analysis by End-use Industry

On the basis of end-use industry, the market is fragmented into food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, consumer goods, and others.

The cosmetics and personal care industry stands as the dominant segment in the global seaweed packaging market. There is a growing consumer preference for natural, organic, and environmentally friendly products within the cosmetics and personal care industry. As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in their skincare and beauty products, they are also paying attention to the sustainability of the packaging. Incorporating seaweed packaging enhances its brand image by demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact. This alignment with brand values makes seaweed packaging an attractive option for companies in this sector.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America accounted for the largest share of the global market in 2023. North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada, is a leading market for sustainable packaging solutions due to high consumer awareness and strong regulatory support for environmental initiatives. The region has seen significant interest in seaweed packaging from both consumers and businesses, especially within the food and beverage, cosmetics, and personal care industries.

Europe is the second-largest market based on the demand for seaweed packaging. Europe is one of the most advanced markets for sustainable packaging, driven by a combination of strong regulatory frameworks, consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and the region's leadership in environmental sustainability. Countries such as Germany, the U.K., France, and the Nordic countries are at the forefront of adopting seaweed packaging.

The Asia Pacific region, particularly countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Indonesia, represents a rapidly growing market for seaweed packaging. The region's vast coastline and abundant seaweed resources make it a natural hub for the development and production of seaweed-based materials.

Key Players Covered

The global market is fragmented, with the presence of a large number of group and standalone providers.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Notpla (U.K.)
• Evoware (Indonesia)
• Sway Innovation Co. (U.S.)
• B'ZEOS (Barcelona)
• KELP INDUSTRIES LTD (U.K.)
• Cascadia Seaweed (Australia)
• OCEANIUM (Scotland)
• Xampla (U.K.)
• Biopac (Indonesia)
• Zerocircle (India)

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2024, Kelpi secured EUR 4.35 million (USD 4.60 million) in investment to take its pioneering biomaterial technology to market. The funds would be used to advance manufacturing pilots, gain regulatory approval for proprietary coatings for paper and cards, and continue a commercial roll-out.
• In March 2024, the exclusive partnership between Levy U.K. + Ireland and sustainable packaging innovator Notpla will see an expected 75 million items of Notpla’s seaweed-based, biodegradable food packaging being used by Levy over the next three years.